This week, I. J. Khanewala’s Bird of the Week invitation reminded me of Cedar Waxwing birds found in Texas. Although Small Pratincoles (Glareola lactea) and Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) are not related, I saw some resemblance, particularly in the feather colors and those black feathers around the eyes. Nevertheless, the two birds are quite different. Let’s take a look at some of Cedar Waxwings’ characteristics.
They are fruity feasters. Cedar waxwings are among the few North American species that primarily eat fruit, so it was no surprise I saw them hanging around our backyard birdbath near Yaupon Holly trees. Cedar Waxwings love those red berries.
So, where do they get their name from? Their namesake comes from the red, waxy tips on some of their secondary wing feathers. I also love that black band that extends around their head. It makes them look like they are wearing a mask! Another thing I have always found fascinating about these birds is that they are social butterflies. Like in the opening photo, they fly in large flocks. They are very sociable birds. Sometimes, they will even nest close to each other. This next trivia is humorous. They have been seen eating fermented berries, which can intoxicate them! I would love to witness what type of behavior they may show when intoxicated.
As my photos show, these birds do not have a specific habitat. They can be found in woodlands, orchards, and even backyards. I photographed them having a party at our backyard birdbath. Even the young ones joined the fun.
One sad fact about Cedar Waxwings is their short lifespan. They typically live only up to eight years in the wild. I captured this last photo at the Spicewood Valley trail in Austin, Texas.
If you are curious as to what they sound like, the Cornell Lab website has several sound bites. They typically have high-pitched calls.
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gapyearwithgrace
Wonderful photos of those precious little birds.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the compliment, Grace.
Anne Sandler
What wonderful images and cute little birds.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the comment, Anne. I don’t see them around my backyard often, but they drop by from time to time.
sandyjwhite
We see them here only occasionally. They are gorgeous birds!
Egidio Leitao
They really are. Thanks for the comment.
sandyjwhite
My pleasure.
carabeinsplash
They’re so gorgeous! Their markings are so crisp and symmetrical and almost identical to each other. I haven’t seen any in our area here in OK. Wish I had. I’m sure they’re around here somewhere!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the feedback. They are very interesting birds. They should be found in OK.
Aletta - nowathome
Beautiful photos of the birds Egidio! I’ve never seen them before!
Egidio Leitao
I’m happy you liked those photos. They are interesting birds.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
È vero che sono estremamente sociali e vanno sempre in stormi numerosi. A me piace molto anche il loro canto o richiamo. Stupendi!
Egidio Leitao
Sì, certamente. Grazie.
margaret21
Lovely vivacous photos. We have waxwings here (not sure which type) but I have never seen them.
Egidio Leitao
Another blogger posted photos of a related waxwing in Finland. It’s likely the same you have. Thanks for the compliment.
I. J. Khanewala
Wonderful photos you have today, and a thoughtful explanation of why they frequent your bird bath. I love looking at waxwings, and these are particularly colourful members of the group.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for your feedback. I appreciated the comment.
philosophy through photography
Great captures!
Such a lovely family, enjoying togetherness!
Thank you for spreading knowledge about this bird family.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you for your kind feedback.
philosophy through photography
Welcome, Egidio.